As the seventh season of Love Island USA nears its end, emotions run high in the villa. With only four couples remaining, the return of Family Day allowed contestants to reconnect with their loved ones and hear candid opinions about their relationships. This special moment helped the islanders reflect on their choices, their connections, and their journey throughout the season.
The reunion was followed by a Thanksgiving-style dinner. As the couples sat around the table sharing their favorite memories, a surprise text message shook the mood. It revealed that America had voted for the couple they most wanted to see in the season finale. The couple with the fewest votes would be sent home immediately.
Three couples — Amaya Espinal and Bryan Arenales, Huda Mustafa and Chris Seeley, and Olandria Carthen and Nic Vansteenberghe — were the first to find out they had secured their places in the finale. Each received a congratulatory message on their plates, bringing relief and celebration.
That left Chelley Bissainthe and Ace Greene, and Iris Kendall and Jose “Pepe” Garcia-Gonzalez as the bottom two couples. In a tense final moment, plates were served to both. When they lifted the lids, Kendall and Garcia-Gonzalez were safe. Bissainthe and Greene, on the other hand, were officially eliminated from the competition.
Despite the surprising elimination, Chelley and Ace took the news with maturity and optimism. Speaking after their departure, they reflected on their strong bond and the love they found during the show.
Chelley shared that while missing the finale was disappointing, the deeper value was in the relationship they built. “It was a bittersweet feeling,” she said. “But we already made our connection. We found each other, and we’ve grown together. That’s what matters most.”
Ace agreed, saying the competition itself faded in importance once he met Chelley. “You forget this is a competition. I found my prize in her. Once we knew we were right for each other, we became exclusive. My journey ended right there.”
The couple had recently made their relationship official in the Hideaway before their exit. Now, with villa life behind them, they look forward to seeing how their connection holds up in the real world.
Ace explained their plans moving forward. “We’re going to take it day by day. Life outside is different. But I’m excited to grow our relationship. She’s in Florida, I’m in L.A., but she’s planning to move here, and we’ll take it from there.”
When asked if “exclusive” meant outside the villa as well, Ace was clear. “Absolutely. I hated the term ‘closed off.’ To me, ‘exclusive’ means we’re committed to each other — in the villa and out. I’m serious about that.”
The pair also shared their thoughts on fellow contestants Nic and Olandria, with whom they grew close during the season. Chelley expressed her happiness for the couple. “They look really happy. It’s been beautiful to watch them grow. They had playful chemistry early on, and now they’ve had the chance to really connect.”
As fans await the final results of Love Island USA Season 7, Chelley and Ace’s story stands out as one of sincere connection. Though they may not be finalists, their relationship continues beyond the villa — and that, to them, is the true win.